Andorra Dietitians Finalize CASS Integration After Key Ministry Meeting

Dietitians and nutritionists in Andorra held a key meeting with the health ministry on Tuesday to finalise details of the convention allowing their services to join the CASS public health system, with the agreement now expected after the Meritxell holiday.

The session addressed remaining issues in the draft convention, enabling inclusion in CASS-funded services. Government officials plan to send a final version to the Professional College of Dietitians and Nutritionists in the coming days for approval, though sources indicate this will not occur until after the national holiday on 8 September. College representatives described negotiations as progressing well, crediting the meeting with advancing procedures despite overlapping summer holidays causing delays. They expressed determination to sign the overall agreement as soon as possible.

Once the college signs the general convention, individual professionals can opt to adhere and offer consultations through CASS. A government decree, effective from 1 September and published in the Official Bulletin of the Principality of Andorra (BOPA) last July, authorises funding for these services.

The roughly ten practising dietitians remain keen to participate, particularly for conditions including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders, renal insufficiency, eating behaviour disorders, and oncological illnesses. Coverage requires referral from a primary care doctor or specialist, with two to six sessions per year depending on the diagnosis and potential extensions—for example, six sessions for obesity, extendable by two in the second year, or four for eating disorders, expandable by two annually. Fees stand at €28 per session, with CASS reimbursing 75%.

Professionals continue to push for a one-year review clause to treat the launch as a pilot, alongside mechanisms for future price adjustments tied to the consumer price index. After signing, they must register as approved providers to begin billing.

CASS had previously shared a proposal with the college in August following several discussions, with officials expressing satisfaction over the collaborative approach.